This is a long post but a very important one. Please read and pass along to anyone you think would be interested. I thank you for any help and items you can give. Brad

Extinction Imminent

The Guatemalan beaded lizard is endemic to the arid, desert region of the Motagua valley in southeastern Guatemala and is one of the most endangered animals in the world. This animal was first seen by scientists in 1984, formally described in 1988 and a decade later was thought to be extinct in the wild. In 2002 a few individuals were found and limited natural history and ecology studies obtained the first, sparse data on their lives in the wild.
Deforestation for cantaloupe, tobacco and milpa (feed corn) farming has reduced the suitable habitat for this lizard to about 40,000 acres (roughly the size of Disney World in Orlando) and it has been estimated that this is enough habitat for at most 150-200 individuals. These numbers are similar to some of the most endangered island iguanas. Local inhabitants kill the lizard on site due to myths surrounding this venomous creature and the rarity of this sub-species has led to exploitation in the animal trade. It has been estimated that approximately 35 individuals were captured and sold abroad during the decade of the 1990s.
Due to the recent re-discovery of the species and to the two natural history studies performed with support of an interested NGO, Zootropic, the government of Guatemala has shown interest in protecting this animal and its habitat. In November 2005, Zootropic hosted a strategic planning summit in Guatemala to formalize a plan for beaded lizard conservation. All pertinent branches of government attended along with representatives from local zoos, museums and Zoo Atlanta, Detroit Zoo and the Arizona-Sonora Desert museum. In addition, Zootropic has launched an education campaign targeting the villagers in lands surrounding beaded lizard habitat. Studies are needed and planned to answer basic questions concerning critical habitat needed by this animal. This will be the main data source used to guide land preservation decisions to best help this creature. There are also approximately 9 animals in captivity spread between as many institutions. A breeding facility in the Motagua valley needs to be constructed and any young animals attempted to be reintroduced into protected habitat.

How you can help

As stated in this brief report there are probably no more than 200 individual Guatemalan beaded lizards left on earth. Your help is desperately needed to save these unique creatures. Wayne Hill and the National Reptile Breeder’s Expo have agreed to support the conservation effort for the Guatemalan beaded lizard. All proceeds from this year’s annual auction will go to the “Project Heloderma” fund. This is a hugely important, and we thank Wayne for his generous support of this project. To make this auction a success we need auction items. Monies collected from the sale of auction items, will be used to fund efforts to save the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard. This fund will be used specifically to support conservation research projects, expand a local education program to raise awareness about its plight and to build an in country breeding facility. All auction items should be sent to arrive no later than the first week in August, 2006. Please send sooner if possible. If YOU would like to help by contributing auction items please send to:

Wayne Hill
621 Avenue M S.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Attention” Project Heloderma”

All donation are tax deductible. Please e-mail or send a description and the value of donated items to:

Brad Lock
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave. SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Atten. Project Heloderma